Stafford Rangers striker Bailey is actually the last Englishman to score a hat-trick against United at Old Trafford. It came in his time as a Queens Park Rangers player in a live television game on New Years Day 1992.

QPR astounded the nation by winning the match 4-1 with goals from Bailey (3) and Andy Sinton.

Bailey said:" Without a doubt, that game was the highlight of my career. I was fortunate enough to be part of a really good QPR side that played quality attacking football.

"Even so, we went to Old Trafford as underdogs and people were saying we would lose by three or four goals. United were unbeaten at home, chasing the championship and the whole country expected them to win.

"But the Rangers team clicked together that day and we could have scored six or seven. And for me to get a hat-trick made it a great occasion for myself and the club.

"I'm still proud to have the record as the last Englishman to notch a hat-trick at Old Trafford against United. I hope the record stands for a long time, but if someone breaks it I hope it is a QPR player!"

At the tender age of 37, Bailey continues to ply his trade with another Rangers - the Stafford variety in the Dr Martens League Premier Division. He is looking forward to another goalscoring season.

He said:" We had a good campaign last year, finishing runners-up in the league and winning the Staffordshire Senior Cup. We've got some good young players and we are anticipating another good season hopefully.

"I still play up front. I have to look after myself, especially at my age now. But I managed to get a few goals last season - 15, I think. I've worked hard in pre-season and if I can better the 15 goal mark this time around then I'll be happy. So I'm really looking forward to the season.

Meanwhile, former Spurs and Sheffield Wednesday manager Peter Shreeves has joined Leyton FC on a consultancy basis. He will also help out with the coaching.

Shreeves, 63, was manager of Barnet in the Conference last season. He has also coached at Charlton, QPR, Watford, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.

Leyton are newly promoted to the Ryman league Division One North and see Shreeves as the man to fuel their ambitions for an even higher status of football.

Leyton chairman/manager Cos Sophocleous said: "This is an honour for our club. I can hardly believe that a man of Peter's calibre has actually agreed to come and advise us on all our football matters. It is unbelievable that he would even give us the the of day! But he is keen to help us and he'll look at what direction the club should be going in.

"Peter will take a coaching session for us on Thursday evenings. He works for the Premier League on Saturdays, but hopes to attend a number of our Tuesday night matches. He's already watched us play a couple of times and is impressed with the boys.

"He's a local man and he knows we want to go forward. You can't put a price on Peter's knowledge and it will be great to be guided by him. He's been there and done it! Not only does he know about the high life, but he's also managed Barnet so he knows the non- League scene too.

"This will hopefully take us to another level. You have to keep looking forward. Peter certainly knows more than I'll ever know and everyone at our club is thrilled to bits with the experience and knowledge that the man can bring to us.

"If we can all learn a little bit from him, we'll all be that much better for it. There is no pressure on Peter - he can just come here and enjoy himself."

Shreeves said: "I have met the chairman on several occasions and have seen his very impressive Leyton team. I am only too happy to pass on some of my knowledge to this vibrant group."

by Tony Incenzo